Qualitative Analysis of Parental Stress and Family Impact of Children with ASD

Abstract

Adapting to the new diagnosis of ASD, including the evaluation experience, is an extensive process for the child and the entire family. Inevitably, families need to learn how to adapt to their child’s challenging behaviors and the child’s special needs to manage the family’s daily routine. With the lack of resources and extensive waiting for most interventions and therapies provided post-diagnosis, inconsistent support and failure in early intervention leads to parental burden and stress and could negatively impact the entire family. This qualitative study analyzes three families. The focus is on their experiences with the evaluation process and how the diagnosis has affected the changes in family dynamics, family activities, and the effect on parental stress. Three families observed similar patterns and self-reported perceptions of how the ASD diagnosis has challenged the family’s daily routines. Increases in parental stress levels were a common theme noted with the child’s ASD diagnosis. These findings illustrate increases in parental and family stress and highlight the lack of resources for the child and the family parents post-diagnosis.